Storm Arwen brings damage and disruption to St Helens

The Met Office had warned of the danger the storm could pose, issuing a yellow weather warning for strong winds in the region.

The warning came into force in the north west from 9am yesterday, Friday, and will remain in place through to 6pm this evening.

Safety concerns over the ongoing high winds have led to the postponement of the St Helens Christmas lights switch on, which was due to take place in Church Square today.

And after hitting the town last night, the storm led to trees falling across the borough as well as damage to homes and gardens.

It is understood the council is still assessing the extent of the damage - but at least 12 trees have fallen in public places. That is additional to those which have come down in the gardens of homes.

Star readers have been sharing pictures of fallen trees and damage to homes.

One reader showed how an outdoor trampoline had ended up the roof of a conservatory in Nutgrove.

A trampoline ended on top of a conservatory Picture: Carol Davies

There has been damage to gardens in Windle: Pic Joanne Welsby

The M62, meanwhile, was closed eastbound from the early hours after winds caused a lorry to overturn near junction seven for Rainhill Stoops.

Both the driver and passenger of the lorry were taken to hospital, while the motorway has fully reopened.

Fallen trees in Parr

Storm Arwen is also disrupting rail travel, with Northern saying: “Due to severe weather conditions, services running across the Northern network will be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.”